Houston Chef Thomas Bille Wins at 2025 James Beard Awards
Chef Thomas Bille, who runs Belly of the Beast in Spring, Texas, earned the title of Best Chef: Texas at the 2025 James Beard Awards in Chicago. Known for blending Mexican flavors with global ingredients, Bille brings bold cooking to the Houston area.
He originally opened Belly of the Beast in early 2020. When the pandemic forced a shutdown, Bille paused operations until he relaunched the restaurant in November 2023. With new pop-up events and a revamped menu, he quickly gained attention. Soon after reopening, the restaurant received a Michelin Bib Gourmand and landed on the Houston Chronicle’s Top 100 list.
Bille’s standout dishes include Texas Wagyu with kimchi and tuna tostadas topped with nori. Reflecting on the award, he said, “I feel the past 20 years working in the kitchen have culminated in this [recognition].”
- Belly of the Beast is located in Spring, just outside Houston
- Combines Mexican roots with international flavors
- Closed in 2021, reopened in late 2023
- Earned Michelin Bib Gourmand and local praise
- Focuses on bold, layered dishes
Texas chefs made a big impact at this year’s awards. Arjav Ezekiel of Birdie’s in Austin won in the new beverage service category. Meanwhile, Chad Houser of Café Momentum in Dallas received the Humanitarian Award. Gaido’s in Galveston also earned national attention as one of America’s Classics.
More…
- https://www.houstonchronicle.com/food-culture/restaurants-bars/article/james-beard-awards-houston-winners-20368612.php
- https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/06/17/houston-james-beard-2025-winner-belly-of-the-beast-chef
- https://www.mysanantonio.com/food/article/james-beard-award-texas-20380300.php
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